Certified B Corporation Coffee
Higher Grounds Coffee is proud to be a Certified B Corporation, joining a global community of businesses committed to using business as a force for good.
For us, B Corp certification is more than a badge. It is a framework for measuring how our decisions impact people, communities, the environment, and the coffee supply chain.
As a specialty coffee roaster based in Traverse City, Michigan, we believe exceptional coffee should be rooted in transparency, sustainability, and long-term relationships with the people who grow it.
Why B Corp Matters in Coffee
Coffee connects people across the world. Every cup begins with farmers, cooperatives, exporters, importers, roasters, and customers making choices that affect quality, livelihoods, and long-term sustainability.
Being a Certified B Corporation helps us hold ourselves accountable to a broader purpose than profit alone. For Higher Grounds, that means building long-term relationships with producer partners, supporting transparent and ethical sourcing, investing in coffee-growing communities through On the Ground, and continually improving how we operate as a business.
Quality and Responsibility Go Together
We believe great coffee and responsible business practices strengthen each other. Long-term producer relationships create opportunities for better communication, better quality, and greater investment in the people and communities behind every harvest.
Our commitment to carefully sourced specialty coffee includes single-origin offerings, seasonal microlots, Certified Organic coffees, signature blends, espresso, and wholesale programs designed to support cafés, grocery partners, offices, and other businesses that care about quality and impact.
How Higher Grounds Lives Its B Corp Values
Transparent Sourcing
We prioritize long-term, direct relationships and work with partners who share our commitment to fairness, sustainability, and quality.
Origin Community Support
Through our sister nonprofit, On the Ground, we help support community-led development in coffee-growing regions.
Cooperative Trade
Our participation in Cooperative Coffees connects us with a network of roasters committed to fair, transparent, and sustainable coffee sourcing.
Employee Impact
Since certifying in 2016, Higher Grounds has used B Corp certification as a guide for improving our workplace and supporting local nonprofits.
Environmental Responsibility
We continue to look for ways to reduce waste, improve recycling and composting practices, and make more responsible operational choices.
Coffee Education
We believe better coffee starts with understanding. Our education, training, and resources help customers and partners connect more deeply with every cup.
Our B Corp History
Higher Grounds became a Certified B Corporation in January 2016, joining companies around the world committed to redefining success in business. Since then, we have used the B Corp framework to measure our impact, identify areas for improvement, and protect the mission Higher Grounds was founded on.
Certification has helped inspire initiatives such as our Volunteer Time Off program, expanded composting and recycling practices, participation in local sustainability efforts, and community events designed to grow awareness of the B Corp movement in Traverse City.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Certified B Corporation?
A Certified B Corporation is a business that has met rigorous standards for social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency through an assessment administered by B Lab.
Is B Corp the same as Fair Trade or Organic?
No. Fair Trade and Organic certifications generally apply to specific products or sourcing practices. B Corp certification evaluates the overall impact of the company as a business.
Why does B Corp matter when buying coffee?
Coffee has a long and complex supply chain. Choosing a B Corp coffee company helps support a business that is measuring its impact on workers, communities, the environment, and customers.
Does B Corp certification mean better coffee?
B Corp certification does not score flavor, but we believe responsible sourcing and long-term producer relationships help create the conditions for exceptional coffee quality.
Where can I see Higher Grounds' B Corp profile?
You can view our public B Corp profile here: Higher Grounds Trading Company B Corp Profile.
Learn More
To learn more about our mission, sourcing model, and community impact, visit our About Higher Grounds page, explore On the Ground, or browse our Coffee Education Resources.
